University students like me are happier living at home – here's why

University students like me are happier living at home – here's why

A new trend has emerged among university students as more and more are opting to live at home with their families instead of moving into traditional student accommodation. Kirsty Holpin, a 23-year-old psychology and criminology student at the University of South Wales, is one such student. She drives 35 minutes from her home in Fochriw, Caerphilly county, to the campus in Treforest, Rhondda Cynon Taf, for lectures. The high cost of rent is a major deterrent for many students when considering moving out, according to UCAS figures.

Kirsty acknowledges that living on campus would have offered a better social life, but she emphasizes that she prefers staying at home. She highlights the supportive environment and the ease of completing assignments without the distractions of living on campus. As blended learning becomes more prevalent, many students find it easier to attend lectures remotely, further reducing the necessity of being on campus daily. Some students are even opting to book hotel rooms when they need to be on campus rather than paying high rent prices for student accommodation.

According to a recent survey by Save The Student, 15% of students in the UK now live with parents or guardians, an increase from 12% in the previous year. The rising costs of rent play a significant role in this shift, along with the availability and costs of student housing. Deio Owen, president of the National Union of Students in Wales, suggests that priorities may have shifted among students, with a decreasing emphasis on the traditional campus lifestyle. Some students prioritize academic achievement and financial stability over socializing, and as a result, they choose to live at home with their families during their university studies.

While many students still value the independence and social aspects of living away from home while studying, the trend of students choosing to remain at home is on the rise. Freshers’ events at universities continue to attract students looking for a taste of independence, but others, like Kirsty, find that staying at home provides them with a supportive environment conducive to their academic success. As the landscape of student housing continues to evolve, more students are redefining what it means to have a fulfilling university experience without necessarily adhering to the traditional norms of campus life

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